California’s Fast Food Minimum Wage Has Ballooned Menu Prices

ham burger with vegetables


Customers in California may be feeling a pinch in their pockets as menu prices at fast food chains rise following the implementation of a new law requiring a $20-an-hour minimum wage for workers.

A recent survey by The Post of several restaurants in the Los Angeles area revealed varying price increases. At Burger King, for instance, the cost of a Texas Double Whopper meal surged from $15.09 to $16.89, marking a significant increase of $1.80 (nearly 12%). Similarly, the price of a Big Fish meal jumped from $7.49 to $11.49, a $4 increase (53%).

Other items experienced more moderate price hikes, ranging from 25 cents to a dollar. Burger King did not provide a comment on the matter.

Hart House, a fast food chain associated with actor Kevin Hart, also saw prices rise by up to 25%. For example, the cost of large fries increased from $4.49 to $5.99, while milkshakes saw a $1 increase and sandwiches went up by 50 cents each.

In-N-Out Burger, however, implemented more modest price increases, with burgers rising about 25 cents and sodas increasing by a nickel.

Customer reactions to the price hikes were mixed. Some, like Shawn Fields, considered the increases nominal and reasonable, while others, like Ivan Moreno, expressed concern about the ripple effect on overall living costs.

While some chains like Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s showed no change in prices, some McDonald’s franchisees have already raised prices in anticipation of the new law. Scott Rodrick, who owns 18 restaurants in Northern California, explained that he raised menu prices by 5% to 7% over the last three months to accommodate the wage increase.

The new law, passed by Democrats in the state legislature last year, impacts over 500,000 workers in fast food restaurants, significantly raising their wages.


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